Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q — Restaurant in North Carolina

If you're searching for the best barbecue in North Carolina, look no further than Big Oak Drive-In and Bar B Q. This beloved coastal eatery has been serving up mouthwatering burgers, fresh seafood, and hickory-smoked BBQ since 1976 — and next year, they’re celebrating an incredible 50 years of flavor and tradition!

From the moment you roll into the lot, the scent of sizzling pork, fried shrimp, and that signature BBQ sauce lets you know you're in for something special. The menu may be simple, but every bite is unforgettable. Locals swear by the Shrimpburger—a coastal classic that’s perfectly crisp, buttery soft, and packed with flavor. Pair it with hush puppies or a side of slaw, and you’ve got a meal you’ll crave long after the last bite.

What makes Big Oak Drive-In so iconic isn’t just the food — it’s the history, the friendly service, and the feeling of stepping into a slice of North Carolina tradition. Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, you’ll feel like part of the family. With 50 years of satisfied customers and countless glowing reviews, it’s no wonder this spot is considered a must-visit on the Crystal Coast.

So next time you're cruising down Highway 58, stop by this Emerald Isle institution and taste why Big Oak Drive-In and Bar B Q has been a local favorite for half a century. Trust us — one bite and you’ll be planning your next visit before you leave the...

My family and I have been visiting the Big Oak for many years. Back when there was an alive oak tree near the entrance, all throughout the dead standing oak period, and now after the tree that gave this place it's name has long since left. Their menu is pretty wide and I suspect that everyone will find something they like, as long as it's your typical dinner cravings. Almost everyone who goes there goes for one thing though, and that's the shrimp burger. You will not find a better shrimp burger anywhere.

Some things have changed over the years, and not just the price. For a place with no dining area, wait staff, or anybody it was dang near $20 a person to eat here. Politics are on full display, something that I personally wish would stay out of the public portion of businesses. The hot sauce on the shrimp burger is not particularly hot anymore, though that may be my tolerance for spice changing more than anything.

All and all, we drove an hour out of our way to eat here and I'm glad we did. I got a shrimp burger and chocolate milkshake, and sat on my tailgate like I had so many times before. We may jokingly call this place the "Formerly Oak Drive-In", but it'll always be the best shrimp burger...

This place is must try when visiting the area. I personally wasn't blown away by the Shrimp Burger, but it was still good. I think my biggest complaint is the fact they use popcorn shrimp on the Shrimp Burger and I was expecting regular shrimp. That said, we ate here twice for lunch during our vacation, so obviously we were overall very pleased with it. My favorite was the fish sandwich ( I believe it was grouper). It was a really good fish sandwich, which is getting harder to find these days if you're not on the coast. And just so you don't think I'm a "plain Jane" kind of eater, we also tried and really enjoyed: Oyster Burger and Crab Cake Burger . . . both of which were excellent. When you order, be ready for them to ask you if you want those sandwiches "all the way". Just say yes and eat like the locals do! My wife also got an order of the friend pickles and they were better than I thought they would be as they were dill slices and just a bit spicy! FYI, they are cash only and it's best to call in your food...